Williston State to unveil new projects on October 24
by WSC MarketingPosted on 10/22/2013

WILLISTON, N.D. - Williston State College would like to announce the upcoming celebration of the grand opening of the WSC Foundation Apartment building and the dedication of the newly renovated front drive on Thursday, October 24th. Governor Jack Dalrymple plans to be in attendance and speak at the ceremony.

WSC Foundation Apartment BuildingThe WSC Foundation Apartment building project officially broke ground on October 4th, 2012. Move-in day for residents was this past August 15th. With the 74-unit facility at full-capacity, College and WSC Foundation officials feel they made the right decision in the construction of this complex.

"This is a great example of the value of cooperation as we work to develop affordable housing throughout western North Dakota," Gov. Dalrymple said. "This building includes students, faculty, staff, essential workers in the area, as well as low income individuals. It will be a great benefit to Williston State College as well as the entire community of Williston."

The complex, however, may not have been a reality if not for the contributions received through the North Dakota Housing Incentive Fund. While several individual citizens made contribution to the project, two key players made a significant impact with their gifts. Gate City Bank and US Bank contributed $1.25 million and $1.2 million each focusing $689,500 and $300,000 directly to the WSC Foundation Apartment project. Additionally, Williston's locally owned and operated American State Bank & Trust provided the financing for the project.

Front Drive ProjectThe renovation of the front drive project started this past summer, July 2013. Designed to beautify the campus entrance, it will provide a more efficient flow to traffic, safer pedestrian walkways, and a quad which can be used for events and activities.

In order to use the space to its fullest, WSC has been working with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, among other local organization, to identify where it can help fill needs and avoid duplication in the arena of event space.

"We want the community to see this space as an added benefit," said Shanna Curlin, Conference Service Coordinator. "Our goal is to provide education, services, and resources to our community through venues like this."

Celebrating Into the NightBoth projects will be celebrated jointly on October 24th. There will be a public ceremony at 3:30pm, which will take place at the entrance to the newly renovated front drive. Tours of both areas will follow.

Teton Hockey will be hosting their home opener that evening as well. RockWater Energy Solutions will be putting on a free BBQ tailgate at the Agri-Sports Complex to kick off the evening. There will be a ceremony at 7pm to unveil the national championship banner; the puck will drop at 7:10pm. Following the game, Wildcat Pizzeria will be holding a Teton Booster event starting at 9:30pm.

"This is a big day for us," says Kayla McKeil, Director for Marketing. "We're excited to celebrate both of these projects which have had great impact on the community and will literally change the way our campus is seen."

For more information on the October 24th celebration or on either the apt building or front drive, please contact Kayla McKeil at 701.774.4222 or kayla.mckeil@willistonstate.edu. For other information regarding Williston State, visit www.willistonstate.edu, call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND.